NEW YORK -- Sixteen incredible students and five dedicated teachers in grades 3 through 12 have been named 2015 National 180 Award winners by Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children's publishing, education and media company. Despite challenges, these students are being recognized for achieving tremendous gains in their reading and mathematics skills through the use of READ 180®, System 44® and MATH 180® while educators using these blended learning programs are thanked for their unwavering support of their students, fostering both personal and academic growth.

From overcoming language barriers, hearing impairment or a disbelief in their own abilities, to balancing personal challenges ranging from family loss to adapting to a new country, these 16 students managed to persevere and achieve academic success. Thanks to the confidence the 180 Student Award winners have gained from their enhanced skills, the encouragement of their teachers and the personalized support found in the reading and math intervention programs, these students are now setting career goals such as becoming a special education teacher or a doctor. Meet the 2015 180 Student Award winners and read their stories: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/Scholastic180Awards#Students

Recognized for their passion to ensure students succeed no matter the circumstance, these five teachers have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Students in the classrooms of this year's 180 Educator Award winners have exhibited remarkable progress in reading and math achievement thanks to their teacher's dedication and ability to successfully harness the power of READ 180, System 44 and MATH 180. From supporting students through challenging curriculum to extending resources to parents, these teachers have made it their mission to help their students succeed in school and in life. Meet the 2015 180 Educator Award winners and read their stories: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/Scholastic180Awards#Educators

"Each year we are astounded by the nominations and are in awe of the obstacles these students have fearlessly overcome and the lengths these educators go to in order to foster learning," said Margery Mayer, President, Scholastic Educational Technology and Services. "Today we celebrate not only their journeys to this point but their futures as well, whether that be students aiming for higher education or educators changing the lives of even more students as they enter a READ 180, System 44 or MATH 180 classroom. We are honored to recognize the success of the 2015 180 Award winners."

The 180 Student Award nominations are carefully reviewed by a Scholastic committee that takes into account not only student growth, but also personal achievements as detailed in their statements and their teacher's testimonials. When considering 180 Educator Award nominations, the committee takes into account statements from their students and colleagues detailing the impact the nominee has had on a school, classroom or community.

The 180 Student Award Prize:

Each 180 Student Award winner will receive $1,200 from Scholastic.

The nominating educators of each student winner shall receive free READ 180, System 44 and/or MATH 180 materials worth $1,000 in retail value for their school or district.

The 180 Educator Award Prize:

Each 180 Educator Award winner will receive $1,200 from Scholastic, and

An all-expense paid trip in June to the Model Schools Conference in Atlanta, GA, the nation's premier event highlighting the nation's most rapidly improving schools.

The nominating educators of each educator winner shall receive free READ 180, System 44 and/or MATH 180 materials worth $1,000 in retail value for their school or district.